Praise & Prayer Newsletter
John 15:12-17
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.
The Love of God was demonstrated in the most extraordinary way that humanity has ever seen and known... at the cross of Calvary. "Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). We remember this great love poured out for us this season as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour. Easter is a time to reflect on the truths and promises of Jesus.
What a fantastic privilege it is to...
...be a friend of Jesus (v.14)
...know the heart and thoughts of our heavenly father (v.15)
...be chosen by Christ (v.16a)
...have the Spirit of the living God produce His fruit in us (v.16b)
...know our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers (v.16c)
Is the Love of God that you celebrate this Easter prompting you to follow the command that book-end the rich truths in John 15:12-17 above?
...The command to "love one another" v.12&17
"One Another" Commands
The phrase "one another" occurs at least 100 times in the New Testament. Approximately 60 of those occurrences are specific commands teaching us how (and how not) to relate to one another. Obedience to the "one another" commands is imperative to our Christian walk. It forms the basis for authentic Christian community and directly impacts our witness to the world.
Love is not just an emotion.
You could say Love is not about emotion but devotion. Love is a decision to lay your life down as Christ laid his life down for us. It has been said that 90% of ministry is just showing up with a prepared heart. But it takes that devotion to give up your time and trust God to use you, that step of faith.
Faith does not just believe the facts.
Faith inspires and motivates us, so we do something for God and others.
Have you seen people doing God's work without Faith?
Without Love? Without Hope?
Doing God's work without faith is not inspiring...
with faith, it inspires hope in others.
Hope is confidence in God.
God will never leave us or forget us. He has a plan. The joy of faithfully serving Christ is worth it. You can believe his promises. God has placed you into this generation. You were made in His image and given a purpose: to reflect His image in all you do to others.
Following the "one another" commands starts in your home and flows over into your community.
Keep this list of commands in your Bible. As you prayerfully read through them often, God will show you areas that need growth in your life, like the gauges on an airplane cockpit or a car dashboard; this list will alert you to specific areas that need attention. Love, Faith, and Hope must work together to effectively fulfill these "one another" commands. Sometimes, one part is stronger, but somehow, it is incomplete if all three are not there.
Conference Season!
January was busy as we attended two mission conferences at Briercrest and Millar College of the Bible. This was a wonderful time of encouragement, listening to speakers, chatting with students, connecting with other reps, and absorbing what God is doing in missions today.
We helped teach a children's session during the keynote speakers' session at Millar and taught a breakout workshop at Briercrest. We also attended the Equipping and Empowering Indigenous Christians meeting in Saskatoon on March 10th-11th.
We have more conferences planned in May!
Everything Country Outdoor Market on May 6th to Evangelize and Equip folks with Gospel resources for free or donation. Please pray that God would use ICM to spread His Gospel at this event!
Alberta Home Educators Convention on May 25th-27th to equip home school parents with chronological Bible teaching Resources. Robert is also teaching a breakout workshop.
Evangelism & Discipleship Studies!
Rob recently finished his Thursday Interlocked study he started in May 2021. In February, he started a new Interlocked study on Wednesdays, co-teaching with Carlene and two others he knows. About 25 students are participating from Canada, the USA, and Singapore! Some students are alumni of Interlocked studies who are desiring to continue strengthening their faith and understanding of the Bible. Watching these students' passion and desire for God and His Word nurtured through these studies has been a blessing.
God has been opening doors for Robert and Janette to develop relationships with their new Waldheim neighbours and opening opportunities to share their faith. They started facilitating a 12-week outreach study called Come & See in March, which approximately ten students regularly attend online and in person.
A Special Guest from Brazil!
Arlen-Isaak (Writer of Tetelestai) was in Canada to celebrate the French translation of Tetelestai being released in Quebec. He managed to visit our office and the Rudd household. It was wonderful to meet Arlen in person finally. Our hearts were refreshed and encouraged as we saw the Brazilian sign language and translation projects being developed.
